Zaheer Khan Feels India Made A Mistake By Leaving Out KL Rahul From Test Squad

Team India on Tuesday announced the 16-man squad for their upcoming two-match Test series versus New Zealand. Former India pacer Zaheer Khan was disappointed to see KL Rahul dropped from the Test squad despite him impressing in the limited-overs format.

After having conquered the Kiwis 5-0 in T20 series earlier, India was due to play a three-match ODI series next.

The first ODI was scheduled for Wednesday, where the home side chased down a humongous target of 348 runs courtesy of Ross Taylor’s century, but Rahul stood out for India once again as he scored 88* in 64 balls.

Rahul’s recent form in T20 and ODIs has been spectacular but he has struggled in Tests for some time now.

After a mixed outing against Australia at home where he came out to bat in three different positions in as many games, this time he has been left out of the squad altogether.

Also Read: Virat Kohli Points Out What Cost India The First ODI Against New Zealand

Zaheer Khan: India should have included KL Rahul in the Test Squad versus New Zealand

Former Indian legendary bowler Zaheer voiced his concern regarding Team India’s decision to axe Rahul from the Test squad. This, despite the fact that Rohit Sharma is injured. Zaheer feels the Men in Blue could have benefitted from Rahul’s good form.

He said, “You want to capitalise on a form like this. You have seen it in the past also that players have been drafted in a particular squad based on their form. Why not KL Rahul? After this innings, even the team management, the selectors must be thinking ‘okay, maybe we have been harsh on him.”

He further added, “Maybe, we should have just given him the opportunity in Rohit Sharma’s absence.”

Contrary to Zaheer’s opinion, Team India has instead decided to put their faith in Mayank Agarwal and Prithvi Shaw, who will open the innings for Virat Kohli’s men.

The Men in Blue will end their New Zealand tour with the two-Test series that begins on 21st February. But before that, they have two ODIs to play versus the Black Caps.

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